Sarah Hanna Travels – Adventures in France, Part I
Bella Figura calligrapher Sarah Hanna is always on the move doing the most amazing things. Lately, she’s been splitting her time between Sonoma, California and the beautiful village of Cassis, France. Sarah was kind enough to take us on a virtual tour of her day-to-day in France – take a look!
Port of Cassis When I am in France, I live in the ancient fishing village of Cassis. It is a gorgeous town that sits on the French Riviera. This is the port of Cassis. My art studio is on the other side of these buildings.
Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in France The ocean is just 100 yards from my studio. Every day, I stop working in the afternoon to walk out on the rocks and watch the sunset. Then I pick up a baguette from the local boulangerie and head back to the studio. It is surprisingly easier to work 6 hours ahead of New York than 3 hours behind (in California). I’m not going to lie…both locations are fantastique! In Cassis, my favorite restaurant is La Villa Madie – spectacular food and pinch-me views of the Côte d’Azur. Just a quick 20 minute drive (or motorcycle ride if you are feeling Euro), and you can be at the Relais Magdeleine – which is possibly the most charming hotel and restaurant on the planet.
Morning boat rides on the Riviera
Daily walks to Les Calanques On morning walks, I head to Les Calanques, the stunning rock formations in Cassis. Fun fact: the stone base of the Statue of Liberty comes from Cassis. Merci beaucoup, France!
Fisherman’s statue next to the lighthouse in Cassis
A classic, old world street in the village.
Hand-lettered sign outside of a restaurant ‘Fait à la main’ (English translation: ‘made by hand’) is an integral part of European craftsmanship. Whether it is perfectly-balanced sauce or a gorgeous pair of shoes, things that are made by hand hold value. Many of the menus and store signs are hand-painted or hand-lettered.
The Guerlain flagship boutique in Paris The world is can be a very small place. From California, I work with the amazingly talented Lucas Somoza. He is an elegant-in-every-way American stylist and event designer who splits his time between Paris and New York. Lucas had a Bella Figura client getting married at the Four Seasons George V in Paris. We met at the newly-renovated flagship Guerlain boutique on the Champs Élysées to exchange Bella Figura menu wraps. It was haute couture week in Paris, and Lucas was able to meet between attending the Elie Saab show and a style shoot at Guerlain. I am STILL giddy with excitement over it all! Look at the Guerlain sign. NOT a font. Don’t you just love France?
Lucas Somoza is just. so. delightful.
Sennelier atelier in Paris Just across from the Louvre is the Sennelier atelier. This fine art supply store is a Paris staple and an artist’s dream. Sennelier has created custom pigments for the likes of Picasso and Cezanne (unknown artists at the time)…so I feel as though my new museum-quality watercolor pencils must have a little magic in them.
Many thanks to Sarah for giving us a peek inside her life in France! We’ll be back next week with more photos from Sarah’s travels!
